Italy Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in Italy

Why rent a car in Italy?

Italy is a country that’s rich in tradition, heritage and ceremony. It’s also an incredibly varied place, from the high fashion of Milan to the commanding ruins of Rome, via the gasp-inducingly beautiful Amalfi coast and pomp and circumstance of Vatican City. Whichever side of Italy you choose to visit, you’ll be rewarded with friendly, passionate locals, a warm and sunny climate, and a national cuisine so good it’s taken over the world.

Book a hire car in Italy and you can spend your days taking in everything this country has to offer. The boot of Italy stretches about 730 miles from Switzerland in the north, all the way down to the sparkling Mediterranean. From there, it’s easy to hop on a ferry to Malta, Cyprus or one of the other islands that dot the Med’s calm blue waters. Or, take your rental car over the border and visit the boulevards of Monaco, Switzerland’s epic mountains, or the underappreciated beauty of Croatia.

How to get to and around Italy?

Italy has a variety of airports to choose from. The most popular are Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, just outside of Rome, Venice Marco Polo Airport, or Florence Airport. Whichever you choose, you’ll find it easy to get about the country – plenty of motorways make navigating the relatively large nation (by European terms) a cinch.

What brands are available?

Il Bel Paese has plenty of top-quality rental providers to choose from. Book a hire car in Italy and you can choose from trusted brands like Europcar, Hertz and Firefly, and reliable local providers like Sicily by Car.

Must-sees within an easy drive of Italy

No visit to Italy is a complete without a few days spent in Rome. Italy’s ancient capital was once the centre of the world, and an incredible amount of that Roman past is still standing. The Colosseum is the big draw, and the nearby Pantheon is another must-see. Vatican City also offers plenty to those interested in history and architecture. Visit the Vatican Museum to learn more about the role this tiny nation-within-a-nation has played in global history.

Italy is famous for its romance, and perhaps no city on earth is as romantic as Venice. It’s easy to spend a few days simply walking the canalside paths and eating in the many excellent osterias and ristorantes (head for side streets away from the tourist traps to find the best), but the city also holds many of the best examples of Renaissance artworks in the world. St Mark’s Basilica is perhaps the finest, with an interior that features a dazzling dome, ancient sculptures and more than four square kilometres of gold mosaics.

Tips and tricks for driving in Italy

Italy is a pleasant place to drive, but navigating your way through a city can sometimes be a white-knuckle experience. Italian motorists can be a little forceful – make sure to use your indicators, but be aware that other motorists may not use theirs and never assume that anyone will respect your right of way.

Ready to plan your Italy city break?

Ready to plan your trip to Italy? Start planning with this Rome city guide, and use the Expedia search tool to find the very best deals on flights and hotels, and to research popular attractions and activities.


Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Italy car reservation?
You should receive a total refund on your prepaid booking if you advise us at least six hours prior to collecting the car. Scan the car hire agreement for all the information. Our Customer Service Portal may have the answers too.
What types of cars can I rent in Italy?
Bustling city streets and tight parking spots are no hassle for an economy car — the most in-demand type of hire in Italy. Slide behind the wheel of one of these and get around traffic like a dream. Affordable, reliable and with terrific mileage, these small cars pack plenty of punch. But Italy can be explored in almost any type of hire you like. Compact, mid-size and full-size vehicles are other options to consider.
Why should I rent an Italy car with Expedia?
You’ll find savings for the savvy traveller on Expedia. Whether you’re looking for something that’ll fit the entire crew or just the two of you, browse the deals from the multiple car rental companies in Italy. Our member exclusive offers, discounts and rewards programme will help you get the lowest price possible. Combine your vehicle with your hotel and flights to save even more. Need a few things to do in Italy? Add some experiences to your package later on!
How do I find the best car hire deals in Italy with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easy and fast to compare prices, offers and hire companies, and to check reviews. Bundle your Italy car rental with hotel or flight bookings and you’ll save even more.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Italy?
Drivers need to be at least 18. But there are some age-related requirements to bear in mind before locking in your Italy wheels. If you’re a younger motorist, many rental outlets will charge an extra fee and limit the kinds of cars you’re able to rent. This size of the surcharge, and which age range it applies to, varies between suppliers. Take a moment to compare the requirements.
What do you need to rent a car in Italy?
You’ll generally require a driver’s license and a credit card in the same name when picking up your vehicle. Proof of coverage may also be needed if you choose to opt out of the company’s insurance policy. Rules often differ between providers, so it’s always wise to check before you book.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Italy?
You can hire a car for a month or even longer in Italy, so don’t hestitate to extend your getaway! Simply enter your trip details into our long-term car hire deals page and find your ideal ride.
Where can I find an Italy hire car if I am younger than 25?
Whether you can rent a car under the age of 25 in Italy often depends on the rental company you choose. Some outlets apply a surcharge for drivers between 21 and 24 years of age, however others may not apply any additional costs for this age group. It’d be smart to go through the terms and conditions of your chosen car rental dealer to avoid extra charges at the hire desk.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation

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